VCOM - Virginia 2016 Yearbook

MMSA Medical Muslim Student Association

Amna Farshori, President; Taskeen Raza, Vice President; Reza Razvi, Secretary/Treasurer

T he aim of the Medical Muslim Student Association (MMSA) is to bring awareness to the medical community about healthcare issues unique to Muslim patients, and to connect students with upperclassmen, VCOM alumni, and medical professionals. The organization also provides outreach through health education and provides resources to the local community to enhance the delivery of healthcare. ■ ■ The Fast-A-Thon sought to educate students and faculty on the Islamic significance for fasting. MMSA invited non-Muslims to fast for one day and to break their fast in the evening with fellow

peers. MMSA also held a canned food drive which was donated to the Giving Tree Food Pantry in Christiansburg, Virginia. During the event, the club had speakers who not only provided the Islamic background for fasting, but also discussed the effect of fasting on health and the human body, as well as how to address specific health concerns for fasting patients. Following the talk, MMSA served dinner that had been graciously prepared and donated by the families at the local mosque in Blacksburg, Virginia. ■ ■ In September 2015, MMSA

holiday, Eid-ul-Adha. Students and faculty from all faiths and backgrounds participated, each bringing their own food or drink item. The MMSA facilitated bonding amongst VCOM students and faculty through both games and discussion. ■ ■ During November 2015, the MMSA hosted a talk with Syed Haider, MD, a physician in Roanoke as well as a rotation preceptor who is specialized in hospice and palliative medicine. Dr. Haider gave a brief introduction to Islam and discussed the care of terminally ill patients receiving palliative therapy. He focused specifically on how end of life

held a potluck dinner in celebration of the Muslim

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